The first month of the 2024 college football season has wrapped up, and as teams near the midpoint of their regular-season schedules, it’s an ideal time to highlight the breakout stars who have made a significant impact in September. From standout freshmen to experienced veterans and under-the-radar players from smaller programs, these athletes have impressed on the field, leaving fans excited for what’s ahead.
The first five weeks of the season, including some early August matchups, were filled with electrifying performances that have reshaped preseason expectations. These breakout players have influenced teams contending for the College Football Playoff, with their performances potentially playing a pivotal role in determining the postseason landscape.
So, who are the breakout stars from September worthy of recognition?
Here’s a look at the top 10 college football breakout stars from September:
James Madison’s success continues despite a new coaching staff and roster. After Jordan McCloud transferred to Texas State after just one season with the Dukes, Alonza Barnett III took over the offense and has 12 touchdown passes through September. That ties McCloud for the most in the Sun Belt. With his blazing start, Barnett has JMU in contention for an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff, as the Dukes improved to 4-0. He is completing 64.7% of his passes for 1,022 yards, with only one interception. Barnett also leads JMU in rushing this season, with 41 carries for 255 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite being one of the top running backs in the country last season, Ashton Jeanty received little national recognition. The Boise State star’s impressive start has made him a household name. Through four games, Jeanty has rushed for 845 yards and 13 touchdowns. Both have the highest national rankings – and it is not close. He recorded his second 200-yard game of the season in a win over Washington State on Saturday night. Jeanty is on track to finish approximately 100 yards short of Barry Sanders’ FBS single-season rushing record (2,628). Can anyone stop this blazing Bronco?
Nebraska is off to its best start in eight years, thanks to five-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola’s impressive showing. In 2023, the Huskers placed dead last nationally in turnovers lost, owing primarily to quarterback blunders. Through September, Nebraska is 15th in the FBS, with only three turnovers. Raiola threw two interceptions, both of which were ripped from receivers’ hands. Raiola leads all freshman quarterbacks with 1,224 yards passing and nine touchdowns. His completion rate of 70.4% ranks 11th nationally.
While South Carolina’s five-star freshman Dylan Stewart received a lot of attention in September, transfer edge rusher Kyle Kennard is the true breakthrough star of the team’s defense. The former Georgia Tech player is tied for the SEC lead with 5.5 sacks, leads the conference with 8.5 tackles for loss, and has forced two turnovers. South Carolina features one of the strongest defensive fronts in the country with the tandem of Kennard and Stewart, ranking sixth in sacks per game (3.5).Kennard is in his final year of eligibility and has emerged as one of the top defensive players in 2024.
Cam Ward, a former Washington State star, is performing well at Miami despite receiving little national attention while on the West Coast. Ward is one of the Heisman Trophy favorites as September comes to an end, and the Hurricanes are undefeated after their first 5-0 start since 2017. Ward leads all FBS quarterbacks with 18 passing touchdowns and is second with 1,782 passing yards. The contentious finale to Miami’s victory over Virginia Tech overshadowed his potential “Heisman moment” on Friday night.
Colin Simmons, a true freshman linebacker, has made an immediate impact for Texas. He leads the Longhorns in sacks with four and is one of the new SEC team’s breakout players. Simmons, one of the top edge rushers in the 2024 recruiting class, played a pivotal role for Texas, recording 18 tackles and a forced fumble. Despite the focus on the Longhorns’ offense, their defense is ranked second nationally in points per game allowed (7.0) and fourth in yards per play allowed (3.75). Simmons’ unexpected rise to prominence has been a significant factor.
Texas is lucky to have Arch Manning as its backup quarterback. The five-star redshirt freshman has started the last two games for the Longhorns, replacing an injured Quinn Ewers and contributing to the team’s undefeated streak. Manning has thrown for nine touchdowns and 900 yards in four of Texas’ five games this season, demonstrating his true potential. The No. 1 recruit from the 2023 class has only two interceptions in 78 attempts and is completing 70.5% of his passes. Manning is slated to take over the offense to Ewers for the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma in a few weeks. However, there is still speculation regarding the future in Austin.
Did you know that Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams is only 17 years old? This past Saturday, the Crimson Tide’s rookie star had a breakout moment in what could end up being the ‘Game of the Year’ versus Georgia. Williams had six receptions for 177 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown. Few freshman, let alone experienced receivers, can pull off a crucial catch and incredible juke to dodge two defenders. Williams totaled 462 yards and five touchdowns on 16 receptions in four games.
Where would Michigan be this season without Kalel Mullings? The former linebacker has emerged as one of the top running backs in the Big Ten, averaging 108 yards per game and standing out as one of the few bright spots in the Wolverines’ otherwise one-dimensional offense. Mullings was key in preventing Michigan from suffering its second home loss in September, with a critical run during the game-winning drive against USC, setting up a touchdown near the goal line. Since the team switched quarterbacks, Mullings has rushed for over 100 yards in three consecutive games, more than doubling the yardage of veteran Donovan Edwards. Perhaps Mullings deserves to be the cover athlete for EA Sports College Football 25.
Jeremiah Smith quickly lived up to expectations. In just four games this season, the Ohio State freshman receiver and No. 1 overall recruit in the 2024 class has scored five touchdowns. Smith leads the Buckeyes with 364 yards on 19 receptions and is expected to continue the excellent streak of receivers in Columbus. Smith has already demonstrated his ability to make one-handed catches, jump balls over opponents, and breakaway pace. Smith is arguably the top wide receiver in NCAA football this season. And he could only be touching the surface of his true potential.
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